Monmouth Independence Community Foundation Partners

Building a Thriving Community Together

Discover the transformative initiatives of the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF), designed to enrich the vibrant communities of Monmouth and Independence. Through collaboration with local organizations, MICF has cultivated partnerships that foster community growth, empower individuals, and bring about meaningful, positive change.

Over the past decade, MICF has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence and sustainability, achieving an average return on investment of 9.26% from January 2009 to January 2021. This financial stability reflects our dedication to responsible stewardship and ensures that your contributions are used effectively to support impactful community programs.

Explore our Our Programs section on the MICF website to learn more about the diverse initiatives we support and discover opportunities to partner with us. We can continue building a brighter, more connected future for Monmouth and Independence.

Our Valued Community Partners:

• American Legion Post 33
• Ash Creek Arts Center
• Central Lions Club
• Central Panther Club
• CHS Performing Arts Booster Club
• Ella Curran Food Bank
• Friends of the Independence Public Library
• Friends of the Monmouth Library
• Heritage Museum Society
• Independence Downtown Association
• Independence Police Benevolence Funds
• Independence Public Library
• Jennifer Wells Tuesday Lunch Grant
• Monmouth 2056 Bicentennial
• Monmouth Public Library
• Polk County Historical Society
• Rotary Club of Monmouth-Independence
• The Gate Youth Association
• Wells Family Scholarship

MICF is proud to work alongside these outstanding organizations to enrich our community. Join us in shaping the future of Monmouth and Independence!

American Legion Post 33

The American Legion Post 33 proudly supports veterans, fosters community connections, and promotes the established youth programs of the American Legion. With a long-standing patriotic tradition, Post 33 has been a cornerstone of service and support in Independence, Oregon, embodying the values of dedication and community engagement.

The American Legion has maintained a fund with the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF) for many years. This partnership underscores the Legion’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the community. By working together, MICF and the American Legion continue to support impactful programs that honor tradition, nurture leadership, and inspire the next generation.

Visit them at their website: American Legion Post 33

Ash Creek Arts Center

Founded in December 2013, the Ash Creek Arts Center is dedicated to bringing art classes and workshops to the communities of Independence and Monmouth, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. They believe that access to and engagement with the arts is a fundamental right and an essential cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Their mission is to serve people of all ages and backgrounds by offering a broad range of opportunities to enjoy, explore, and participate in the visual, literary, and performing arts. From hands-on workshops to enriching performances, the Ash Creek Arts Center fosters creativity, connection, and community through the transformative power of the arts.

Visit them at their website: Ash Creek Arts Center

Central Lions Club

Lions Club: A Legacy of Service

With a dynamic history dating back to 1917, the Lions Club is renowned for its dedication to fighting blindness and improving vision care worldwide. However, our mission extends far beyond vision. Lions volunteers are actively engaged in a wide range of community projects, including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, and providing vital assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Through unwavering service and a commitment to making a difference, the Lions Club continues to address critical needs in communities across the globe, fostering hope and improving lives every day.

Central Panther Club

Central Panther Club

The Central Panther Club is dedicated to developing and promoting the athletic and related programs of Central High School in Independence, Oregon. Through its efforts, the club supports student-athletes, enhances school spirit, and fosters a sense of community pride. By investing in the success of Central High School’s athletic programs, the Central Panther Club helps empower students to achieve their full potential both on and off the field.

CHS Performing Arts Boosters

The CHS Performing Arts Booster Club is devoted to promoting and supporting the arts at Central High School. With a passion for fostering creativity and artistic expression, this organization plays a vital role in enriching the cultural opportunities available to students. Through dedicated fundraising efforts by volunteers, the Booster Club was able to establish a fund with the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF), ensuring continued support for performing arts programs and empowering students to explore their creative talents.

Ella Curran Food Bank

The Ella Curran Food Bank is a vital resource for individuals and families in need, serving those living in or near Independence and Monmouth, Oregon. Dedicated to alleviating hunger and supporting the well-being of the community, the food bank provides essential nourishment to those facing food insecurity, fostering hope and resilience for a healthier future.

Visit them at their website: Ella Curran Food Bank

Friends of Independence Public Library

Friends of the Independence Public Library is a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Independence Public Library. The group primarily raises funds to enhance the library’s programs, collections, and overall services. This support helps the library offer enriched resources, host engaging community events, and provide improved services to patrons. Friends work through donations, memberships, and fundraisers to strengthen our local library as a cornerstone of education and community engagement.

Friends of Monmouth Library

The Friends of Monmouth Library are dedicated to supporting the Monmouth Public Library in its mission to provide exceptional programs and collections for the community. Through fundraising efforts and volunteer activities, the organization enhances library services and helps publicize its valuable resources and events. Their commitment ensures that the library remains a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement.

Heritage Museum Society – Independence

The Heritage Museum Society is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of the river town of Independence and Polk County. This mission is achieved through the careful collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs, which are made accessible to the public.

The Society brings history to life through engaging tours, educational programming, and collaboration with other historical groups and community organizations. By providing access to its extensive archives and fostering a deeper understanding of local heritage, the Heritage Museum Society ensures that the stories of Independence and Polk County are preserved for future generations.

Heritage Museum Society endowment and non-endowment funds at MICF support its role in preserving the history of Monmouth, Independence, and Buena Vista and making collections available to the public.

281 S 2nd St,
Independence, OR 97351
503 838-4989
http://www.orheritage.org

Independence Downtown Association – IDA

IDA is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the heart of Independence, OR. Focusing on celebrating our unique history and creating a vibrant environment for thriving businesses and welcoming spaces, IDA is here to support and grow our downtown and wider business community.

💪 Our impact wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers!

Here’s how IDA is making a difference:
🌸 Beautifying Downtown: Providing and maintaining the gorgeous flower baskets.
✨ Spreading Holiday Cheer: Purchasing and caring for the holiday wreaths that light up our streets.
❤️ Celebrating Community: Hosting the inspiring Walk of Hearts.
📢 Promoting Local Businesses: Amplifying their reach through social media and collaborating with local publications to share the unique stories of Independence.
🏛 Preserving Our Charm: Advocating to keep the historic essence of our beloved downtown.

Join us in making Independence a place where history, business, and community thrive together. Your support helps us continue to create a beautiful, welcoming, and connected community!

P.O. Box 446
Independence, OR 97351

https://www.downtownindependence.com/

Independence Police Benevolence Funds

The Independence Police Benevolence Funds held on their behalf by MICF are used to support families and dependents of deceased or seriously ill or injured officers.

Independence Police Benevolence Fund

CHARITABLE PURPOSE:

1. The Independence Police Benevolence Fund was created in 2007 after an officer contracted a Lou Gehrig disease triggered by an on-duty incident.  The fund’s purpose is to provide financial support to an Independence Police Department employee and to their immediate family when the employee becomes critically sick, injured or suffers a catastrophic event and their condition poses a financial hardship.

2. To provide scholarship funds to Independence Police employees for career-enhancing police training or for partial scholarships to higher education classes that are needed for a degree program in law enforcement or leadership, or to offer partial scholarships to children of Independence Police Department employees for tuition on higher education classes required for a two or four-year degree program.

CREATION AND INTENT:

Established in 2007 after an officer contracted a fatal disease, the Independence Police Benevolence Fund was created to provide critical financial support to employees of the Independence Police Department and their immediate families. The fund assists during times of significant hardship, such as critical illness, severe injury, or catastrophic events, helping to alleviate financial burdens during these challenging times.

In 2018, the fund expanded its mission to include providing college scholarships, furthering its commitment to supporting the well-being and future of the department’s families and community.

The fund is primarily sustained through monthly contributions from Independence Police employees, with additional support from negotiated matching funds provided by the City of Independence. Fundraising efforts and private donations also contribute to the financial stability of the fund, ensuring it continues to serve those in need.

Independence Public Library

The Independence Public Library utilizes its funds held at the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF) to enhance its offerings and services. These funds are dedicated to supporting programming, expanding collections of books and periodicals, and acquiring essential technological equipment. This commitment ensures that the library continues to be a vital resource for education, innovation, and community engagement.

175 Monmouth St
Independence, OR 97351
(503) 838-1811

https://www.ci.independence.or.us/library/

Jennifer Wells Tuesday Lunch Grant

Charitable Purpose: The Jennifer Wells Tuesday Lunch Grant was established on November 18, 2024, as a permanent endowment created with and through the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation. The fund was started with gifts from the Wells family and through donations to the program from friends and family in memory of Jennifer Wells. 

Creation and Intent: The Jennifer Wells Tuesday Lunch Grant is intended to provide a perpetual source of funding for grants to be awarded annually to the Tuesday Lunch Program, which is currently being provided under the umbrella of The Gate Youth Association, a 501(c)3 organization operating at the First Baptist Independence Church (FBI). 

A very simple application for grants from the Church Lunch Grant will be used by the Tuesday Lunch Program to seek funds from the Tuesday Lunch Grant. Those grant applications will be submitted to the Foundation explaining the need and indicating the amount requested. This application for grant money will be approved based on grant award timing set by the Foundation.

Monmouth 2056 Bicentennial

The Monmouth Bicentennial Fund was established by one of the founding members of the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF) with a visionary goal: to ensure that Monmouth’s bicentennial celebration would be truly outstanding. By strategically depositing funds and allowing them to grow over time, this fund is designed to provide the resources necessary for a memorable and impactful bicentennial event that honors Monmouth’s rich history and vibrant community.

Monmouth Public Library

Monmouth Public Library funds deposited with MICF are devoted to initiating new programs, services, and collections to enhance existing ones.

168 Ecols St S
Monmouth, OR 97361
(503) 838-1932

Website

Polk County Historical Society

The Polk County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Polk County for future generations. With funds on deposit at the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF), the Society supports initiatives that safeguard historical artifacts, documents, and stories, ensuring that the heritage of Polk County remains accessible and cherished for years to come.

Visit their website: Polk County Historical Society

Rotary Club of Monmouth-Independence

The Rotary Club of Monmouth and Independence proudly participates in the Rotary International Student Exchange Program, offering local students the opportunity to embark on life-changing foreign exchange adventures.

Funds deposited with the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF) are specifically designated for use as scholarships, ensuring that students from the community can explore new cultures, build global connections, and gain valuable experiences that shape their futures. This commitment reflects Rotary’s dedication to fostering education, cultural exchange, and international understanding.

View their webpage here: Monmouth Independence Rotary Club

The Gate Operations Endowment

The Gate Youth Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for young people in the community. Its mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love to youth through academic, social, and spiritual activities, fostering growth, learning, and meaningful relationships. By connecting young people with Christians who share their faith, The Gate seeks to inspire a community where future generations experience, follow, and serve Christ.

Funds held with the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation (MICF) are devoted to supporting the Association’s primary purpose: creating a nurturing environment where youth feel valued as individuals and are encouraged to grow spiritually, socially, and academically.

Website: The Gate Community Youth Center

Wells Family Scholarship

The Wells Family Scholarship is generously funded through donations from the Wells family. This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors at Central High School, providing them with financial support as they pursue their post-secondary education and future goals.

Apply for this scholarship by using the MICF Scholarship Grant process.